Things to do in the local area
- Activities for children and young people with SEND
- See also, activity listings in the children, young people and families section of Livewell Southend and the events section of Livewell Southend
- Essex Youth Map - find a group or activity near you
- Active Essex Activity Finder
- Ofsted registered holiday clubs
- Visit Southend website
- Support groups and services for parent carers
- SEND surgeries
Summer holiday activities
Read about a range of SEND friendly activities taking place this summer holiday!
Funded Short Breaks activities
In July 2026, Southend-on-Sea City Council awarded Short Breaks Main Access Grant funding to 10 local organisations. Funding is effective until 31 March 2027.
This funding enables organisations to deliver either fully funded or subsidised activities for children and young people with disabilities living in Southend-on-Sea. Some of the activities are open to the whole family.
View the list of funded activities
SEND Information Day
Our second Southend SEND Information Day on 16 June was a great success. Read about the event here.
We'll be organising the next SEND Information Day soon. Subscribe to the SEND Newsletter or follow us on Facebook or Instagram to get details!
Discounts, grants and support
Carers can apply for a Carers Card which provides a range of benefits including discounted access to a range of activities. This is a national scheme. Find out about Carers Card UK.
A National Disability Card scheme is also available. Card holders can get discounts at some attractions, including Disneyland Paris and a range of online shopping discounts. Find out about the National Disability Card.
The Southend Advantage Card offers reduced prices on a range of activities.
A CEA Card is available for people aged 5 years and over who need to be accompanied in cinemas because of their disability. It enables the cardholder to be accompanied by someone, free of charge, when they buy a ticket to visit a particpating cinema with a carer.
Accessible Screenings UK is a database of accessible screenings in UK cinemas including subtitled, audio described, autism friendly screenings and dementia friendly screenings.
Family Fund provide grants for days out and family breaks (subject to eligibility criteria).
Merlin Entertainments Carer's Pass and Ride Access Pass.
The hidden disabilities sunflower card is a way of showing you or your child or young person may need extra time, care, patience or understanding. Find out more here.
Holiday activities and food programme (HAF)
HAF is a free and exciting holiday programme for children and young people aged 5 to 16 who are eligible for benefit related free school meals.
The programme runs over the Easter, Summer, and Christmas school holidays and is funded by the Department for Education (DfE). Find out about the HAF programme.